Ziggy Is The Star

David Bowie fans have paid tribute to the late legendary musician by naming a guide dog puppy after his alter ego Ziggy Stardust.

Votes were cast on People's Postcode Lottery's Twitter feed this month. Thanks to Bowie fans, Ziggy came out on top with 35% of the vote - beating Fenton, Marvin and Oscar.

The four names included in the vote were shortlisted by People's Postcode Lottery staff. The name Ziggy was given a boost in the poll after David Bowie fanzine @DBGlamFanzine retweeted encouraging followers to vote.

Players of People's Postcode Lottery have raised more than £1 Million for Guide Dogs and part of the award will help the charity to fund an entire litter of puppies on their journey to becoming trained guide dogs.

Ziggy is one of nine pups that will be supported through their training, their working life with someone with sight loss, and ultimately a well-earned life in retirement. It costs approximately £55,000 to fund a guide dog's journey.

People's Postcode Lottery Presenter Danyl Johnson visited Ziggy and the rest of the litter at the Guide Dogs breeding centre in Leamington Spa.

Danyl said, "Ziggy is a fantastic name for a guide dog and it's a great tribute from fans of David Bowie. It was a real privilege to spend the day with all the puppies at the breeding centre before they begin their incredible journey through training. These dogs will become a life-changer for someone with sight loss and players can be proud they're helping these dogs reach their potential."

Alastair Floyd, Guide Dogs Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, said, "Guide Dogs is delighted to be partnering with People's Postcode Lottery, in support of our life changing work."

Guide Dogs exist to provide life-changing services for the 360,000 people who are registered blind or partially sighted, and the two million people in the UK living with sight loss. The first guide dog partnership was formed in 1931. In recent years, the charity has expanded its services beyond dogs to help thousands of people with different needs lead confident, independent and fulfilling lives.